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Learn to surf in Cullen, Scotland

We offer surf lessons for all from our surf school base at Cullen Beach on the Moray Firth. Whether it’s your first time or you’re working on improving your skills, we can help you learn in a safe and fun environment.

Perfect for adults & kids, learning to surf is fun for everyone!
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  • A boy surfing a wave to shore and smiling during a surf lesson at Blue Coast Cullen
  • Family at the edge of the water during a surf lesson at Cullen Beach, Scotland.
  • A man surfing to the beach during a surf lesson in Cullen, Scotland
  • Surfer standing on their board during a surf lesson in North East Scotland
  • A group of surfers and their instructor posing for a photo with their surfboards after a surf lesson in the North Sea, at Cullen Beach on the Moray Firth, Scotland
  • A man watching a woman catch a wave and surf it to the beach during a surf lesson in Scotland
  • A boy surfing a wave to shore and smiling during a surf lesson at Blue Coast Cullen
  • Family at the edge of the water during a surf lesson at Cullen Beach, Scotland.
  • A man surfing to the beach during a surf lesson in Cullen, Scotland
  • Surfer standing on their board during a surf lesson in North East Scotland
  • A group of surfers and their instructor posing for a photo with their surfboards after a surf lesson in the North Sea, at Cullen Beach on the Moray Firth, Scotland
  • A man watching a woman catch a wave and surf it to the beach during a surf lesson in Scotland

Testimonials

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Aidan D
September 6, 2026

Had a brilliant experience with Blue Coast Cullen! 🌊

I went along for a surfing lesson and really enjoyed it. The instructor was great, really friendly and patient, and made the whole experience enjoyable even as a beginner.

I’ve also been back over the last couple of days to hire a surfboard and wetsuit, and the service has been spot on every time. The equipment was good quality and the staff were always helpful and welcoming.

Would definitely recommend Blue Coast to anyone wanting to learn to surf or just get out on the water around Cullen. I’ll definitely be back! 🏄🌊

Charlotte S
August 22, 2026

My daughter recently attended the 4 day surf camp. The instructors were very accommodating, friendly and supportive. They couldn’t have done more for her. She finished her camp with a boost of confidence and is looking forward to getting back on a surf board soon

Gabriel
August 14, 2026

Was a very nice experience for my kids, they love it. Thanks so much, we definitely try it again. ❤️

Leanne Davies
August 13, 2026

Absolutely fantastic experience with Blue Coast

A huge thank you to all the instructors for making our children's surf and paddleboard lessons so enjoyable. Adam was very accommodating fitting us in at short notice. From the moment we arrived, everyone was friendly, welcoming, patient and helpful

The instructors were brilliant with the children, building their confidence while making sure they had lots of fun. We were amazed at how much both kids improved in such a short time.

The lessons were well organised, safe, fun helping them progress at their own pace. It was wonderful to see their skills and confidence grow throughout the sessions.

We can't thank the team enough for creating such a positive and memorable experience. We would highly recommend Kids Surf School to any family looking for professional, encouraging and fun surf or paddleboard lessons.

Mike Holden
August 4, 2026

Family surf session with 7 and 9 year olds. Was a great experience, warm being fully suited and good boards. Instructor was amazing. Very patient and great with the kids. Well worth the experience. Mike.

Syed Rizvi
July 29, 2026

Really enjoy getting surf lessons and board rentals here , Very freindly team ,able to build strong foundations ,Cullen has great waves to learn on aswell which really helps

Jim
July 28, 2026

Great session with the lovely Kayleigh.

Chris Hinton
July 24, 2026

Bought our daughter the 4 day surf school for a Christmas present. She had a great time!

Marvin Marqua
July 22, 2026

We had a great surfing lesson with lots of fun. Got great instructions and help to manage to catch some waves for the first time. Definitely a great experience which I can recommend everyone to do.

Eilidh Thomson
July 20, 2026

Easy process to hire and good communication from Adam :)

Jamie Craig
July 11, 2026

Our kids had an amazing time with Toby and helpers at the summer camp. The waves can't be guaranteed but the fun can

Debra
July 9, 2026

Wonderful and safe experienced instructors. Very patient with newbies. Would love to try again.

North Davie
July 8, 2026

Great experience all round, the teachers were very helpful and patient. Explained everything well. I had a surf lesson and I'll definitely do it again. Great location and fine people.

Nigel S
June 10, 2026

Had a fantastic experience. Our instructor Toby has a real talent helping beginners- amazingly patient and friendly too.

Rm1459
June 6, 2026

Great experience learning with Blue Coast. Experienced and patient instructors.

lorraine Cramb
May 19, 2026

Two granddaughters had a great time dispite the cold and windy day. They are looking forward to returning.

Stephanie R
April 24, 2026

We love Blue Coast. My son has been coming along to Blue Coast for a few years now, weekly Nippers and summer and autumn holiday camps. He absolutely adores anything run by Adam and his team, the clubs have been life changing for him. They have taught him so much, not just about surfing, paddleboarding, coasteering and caring for our ocean environment but about himself, he has become much calmer, confident and happy since attending Blue Coast clubs regularly. The staff and owner are all fantastic role models and really make everyone feel welcome and relaxed. I feel like he’s in good hands and I’m completely confident in the professionalism and care of everyone involved in the company. We particularly like the family friendly and good vibes of this organisation.

M T
November 9, 2025

I attended a surf lesson with Casey, along with my friends daughter. Casey did an excellent job of making us all feel at ease. Casey explained everything clearly and helped and encouraged us once we entered the water. We laughed, we fell in (a lot), we left exhausted and looking forward to the next time. Everything we needed was provided, it was such a great day and we would highly recommend it. It was excellent value for money. We are all looking forward to trying it again in the new year.

Kracken Kracken
September 3, 2025

My son & I recently attended a beginners surfing course with Blue Coast Surf & Paddle, we had a brilliant time, the coach was patient with our many falls & the wetsuits kept us toasty. If you are looking to have some fun & learn something new, give it a try.

ron macpherson
September 2, 2025

Very friendly and willing to adapt to changing circumstance. Plenty of guidance before taking to the water and sufficient instructors on hand that instilled confidence that if my family got into difficulty they would be taken care of. A very enjoyable experience which i anticipate repeating.

Surf Lesson Details

Ages: All ages are welcome to join us surfing! Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult on the lesson.
Experience: No previous experience is required. All are welcome from beginners to improvers.
Equipment: All equipment is included; cosy 5mm thick winter wetsuits and boots / gloves / hoods if required. We have a wide range of wetsuits to cater for all shapes and sizes.
Duration: Lessons last 2 hours after we're changed and good to go.
Location: Surf lessons take place at Cullen Beach, and Surfari Surf Trips visit spots such as Sandend and Banff.
Prices: from £30 (Special prices are available for Families & Couples)

Cullen offers ideal & safe conditions for beginning / improving surfers; mellow green waves & long rolling whitewater. Our friendly instructors are all qualified beach lifeguards, in the water with you to help you choose waves and give feedback. We look forward to welcoming you at Blue Coast!

  • Check in and meet your friendly instructor
  • Get changed and head down to beach for an introduction, theory and important safety info
  • Get loose with a yoga-inspired warm up
  • Time for fun in the sea! Get personalised advice as you catch waves to the beach

Please bring a towel, sunscreen, and water. We recommend you arrive with swimwear on (for under your wetsuit) as it makes it easier to get changed at the beach.

If you're a beginner, we'll cover beach & ocean safety, and introduction to surf equipment, wave selection and catching broken waves independently, and pop-up technique (standing up). Depending on your level and the conditions of the day, we will move on to cover speed control, turning left and right, paddling out and the turtle roll, catching unbroken green waves, angled takeoffs, bottom turns, and cutbacks.

A glimpse of North Sea magic

Why surf at Blue Coast surf school?

Surfboard icon

All equipment included

We only use the highest quality equipment; warm 5mm thick wetsuits and a range of surfboards for all different abilities.

Experienced guides

All of our coaches are qualified lifeguards, in the water with you to help you choose waves and give feedback.

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Small groups

1:8 maximum instructor to student ratio. Personalised teaching to your ability and goals.

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Ideal conditions

Cullen beach offers ideal & safe conditions for beginning / improving surfers; mellow green waves & long rolling whitewater.

Surfing for all

Lessons are offered to all ages - we don't believe anyone is too young or old to try surfing!

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Gift vouchers available

Give the gift of surfing to a loved one. Not just a memorable experience; it might change their life!

Memorable moments in the sea

Whether you're on your own or with a group of friends, all are welcome at Blue Coast. We're focused on providing the best possible experience for your needs.

Want to hire equipment after your lesson and surf all day? No worries. Would you prefer a private lesson? No problem.

We offer group discounts for larger groups: corporate & workplace team-building / stag & hen dos etc. Contact us to enquire.

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Surf students walking to the beach in Scotland

Fun for the whole family

Surfing is a brilliant group activity for the whole family. Your age, fitness, or surf experience don't matter; fun will be had by all!

An ideal way to make memories together on your visit to Cullen.

See our booking system for special prices on family group lessons.

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Family group photo with surfboards after a surf lesson at Cullen beach

The ultimate couple's experience

Is it your first time trying surfing? Something you've always wanted to do together? Maybe one of you has more experience?

Surfing is a great way to spend some time together in the sea and create lifelong memories, and maybe a lifelong surfing habit!

See our booking system for special prices on couple's lessons.

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Couple getting their wetsuits on for a surf lesson in Scotland

Do I need to be able to swim?

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We ask that everybody taking part in our surf lessons can swim unaided. During a beginner surf session there is no need to go any deeper than standing waist-depth water as you’ll be practicing in broken waves.

What are the age limits?

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All ages are welcome to join us surfing! Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult on the lesson.

You're never too old to get in the sea and have a go!

Will I be cold?

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The water temperature in the Moray Firth ranges from 7-15°C. We find our high-quality 5mm thick winter wetsuits keep our customers toasty, as well as gloves, boots, and hoods if needed. We've had no complaints! You should be warm and comfortable for the duration of your lesson with us.

I am nervous and not a strong swimmer, will I be ok?

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Try a beginner surf lesson as this activity takes place in waist depth water, with a surfboard that floats, and you will have an instructor with you the entire time; we work with you to develop your confidence in the water. If you're nervous around the ocean we encourage you to get in touch so we can discuss your concerns in advance of your lesson and put your mind at rest.

How fit do you have to be to take part?

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Providing you meet the minimum requirement of 50 metres swimming capability and you have no current health issues or injuries preventing you from taking part in physical activity you can participate.

Surfing is more physical than paddleboarding but you will be able to progress in either sport at your own pace, and all activities can be adapted to you; fun will be had by all.

We have a wide range of wetsuits to cater for all shapes and sizes.

How many lessons will it take me to stand up?

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There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone is unique. However, we hope to get everyone standing and getting a feel for the board in the first session. We suggest taking 4-6 lessons to get a comfortable grasp of the basics; improving on stability and control of the board, and getting longer rides!

After taking a beginner lesson, will I need any more lessons? How do I progress?

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Our focus in the first lessons is teaching you the basics while having a lot of fun. We focus on water safety, catching waves and standing up on your board in the white-water surf zone. If you want to progress towards intermediate level, paddling out back (beyond the broken waves) and riding along the face of green unbroken waves, you will require more lessons.

We'd suggest taking 4-6 lessons to begin with and getting a comfortable grasp of the basics, and then practicing on your own while coming back for the occasional lesson to progress further, learn more advanced techniques, and ensure you're not developing bad habits. The best way to get better at surfing is consistent guided practice over time, on the right equipment and in the right conditions. We offer Multiple Day Surf Lesson Packages and equipment hire and to help you do this.

Find more questions answered in our FAQs, or contact us with anything else.
At ease.
A state of flow.
Frictionless.
Breathe easy.
No paddle no surf.
Beyond the beach.
Everything else falls away.
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